Quick facts

Service type: Training and Employment
Eligibility: Un employed or underemployed; Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons who have been granted refugee status; Age 45+
Delivery: Combination of virtual and in-person
Hours of Operation: Varies
Fee: Free with financial and tech support provided
Program dates: Multiple sessions year-round; First session starts on June 5th
Duration: 4-weeks of full-time skills training

Program description

The Skills for Success for Older Workers (SSOW) Program assists under- and unemployed individuals aged 45+ with training and support to improve their foundational and transferrable skills and be better prepared to meet on-the-job demands.

 

Sign-up for an information session to learn more:

 

Skills for Success: Skills for Success are the skills needed to participate and thrive in learning, work and life. Skills for Success include skills that are foundational for building other skills and knowledge and important for effective social interaction. Some of the essential life skills are problem solving, communication, creativity and innovation, collaboration and adaptability.

The program offers training and tools tailored to the needs of older workers. The training components include:

 

Skills Upgrading in Customer Services and Office Administration

  • Interactive activities to improve your Skills for Success, including adaptability, communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and teamwork skills
  • Discover what employers are looking for and how to market yourself in the demanding job sector

 

Job Readiness Preparation

  • Resume and cover letter writing and interview preparation, including mock interviews
  • Create a LinkedIn profile and develop skills to network and job search online
  • Learn to communicate your strengths with confidence

 

Digital Skills Training

  • Learn to use MS Office: Outlook, Word, OneDrive, Teams
  • Practice organizing, sharing, and collaborating on digital files including keyboarding and data entry
  • Develop skills to learn, network, and job search online

 

Self Care, Personal Development, and Social Support

  • Build confidence and explore your potential in a community of learning
  • Participate in strength-based personality assessment and practice self-care
  • Connect and engage with peers in a welcoming environment

 

Training Dates & Times

SSOW is a full-time program with multiple 4-week sessions scheduled to start throughout 2023:

  • Training Session 1: June 5 – 30
  • Training Session 2: August 8 – September 1
  • Training Session 3: September 5 – 29
  • Training Session 4: October 2 – 27
  • Training Session 5: October 30 – November 24
  • Training Session 6: November 27 – December 22

 

First Training Session: Starts June 5, 2023 (4 week)

  • 1st week: 4 days in-person classroom sessions
  • 2nd week: 3 days in-person classroom sessions and 1 day online
  • 3rd & 4th weeks: 2 days in-person classroom sessions and 2 days online

 

Training format:

  • In person training sessions: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM; 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM (5 hours)
  • Online training sessions: 10:00 AM– 12:00 PM; 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (4 hours)
  • Independent assignments and self-directed learning: approx. 5 hours/week

 

Program Eligibility:

  • Unemployed or underemployed
  • Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or persons who have been granted refugee status in Canada
  • Legally entitled to work in Canada
  • Age 45+

 

Additional Information

Priority will be given to participants who:

  • Identify as racialized or visible minority
  • LGBTQ+ individuals
  • Have an English language level of CLB 6 and above
  • Do not have post-secondary education
  • Are long-term unemployed
  • Are facing challenges with adapting to today’s changing job market

How you can support

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Ready to participate?

To directly sign up for the program, click below to get started.

Register

Need help?

To learn more, please contact:

Contact information

Natasha Taylor

Employment Case Counsellor

(437) 980-3359
ntaylor@woodgreen.org

Shoaib Zaman

Employment Case Counsellor

(647) 646-4224
SZaman@woodgreen.org

Heather Hunter

Employment Case Counsellor

(416) 759-4540
hhunter@woodgreen.org

Hours

Monday to Friday

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

 

Download the Skills for Success for Older Workers program flyer here.

 

 

This program is funded by:

 

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